Welcome to Series one of the Whispers in-flight!
Sparked by a recent conversation I had with my Leader at work, I’m starting this “🦅 in-flight” series.
Sometimes folks believe to fly requires luggage, but that’s not quite true.
To truly fly you must give up the things that weigh you down.
” I have grown so much professionally this year, and it’s come from the tribulations and trials I faced I could not solve using old habits and tools”. I heard myself saying to the Leader I report to, without even thinking.
What I realized in this moment, in order to grow I had to give up some key qualities that I thought were in my DNA. Let’s get right to the point:
I had to give up being a Superhero.
I had to give up the desire to be right, and accept doing what’s right.
I had to give up old tools that no longer solved todays problems.
I had to DISCIPLINE myself and narrow my inner circle
I had to give up desiring external consumption, and turn my attention to what I already have.
How Can this Show Up?
This showed up recently for me. My Son went to an away camp and I had gobs of time I don’t normally have.
I thought about so many past habits I could do:
Practice escapism (my favorite) and go to a different city (and all the costs that come with it)
Mindlessly shop
Feed myself “cheat food”
Sleep endlessly
Watch endless YouTube (my guilty pleasure)
And many other lesser time worthy functions.
Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely a place for rest, but this was not it. Instead, I decided in the words of Gretchen Rubin “Choose the Bigger Life”.
I tackled a project I’ve been wanting to create for years….
🫰🏾 7 Rituals to Create More Discipline in Your Life
Discipline is about creating systems that make it easier to keep the promises you make to yourself.
Here are seven practices/rituals that have helped me become more intentional.
1. A Calm Morning Start
Not every device needs to compete for your attention.
One of the best changes I made was using a reMarkable for daily planning, projects and note-taking. It allows me to think, write, and organize without constant notifications, emails, or social media pulling me away. Calm technology creates space for focused thinking.
You don’t neccsarily need a device for this, I travel alot (day to day errands, parenting, work, meetings, and travel between locations and work travel). I would need stacks of notebooks to carry with me to replace this device. However, you can do this same ritual with just a pen and a piece of paper.
Example:
- Every day I start by writing 5 things I want to accomplish that day for my personal life and 5 things on work days.
- This ritual helps me set the day on my terms, before everyone else’s priorities take my attention.
- I no longer overthink it with pretty displays, or over-engineered planners.
- Just me, my thoughts, and my reMarkable…..
2. Protect Just 15 Minutes
If you don’t have an hour, start with 15 minutes.
Dedicate just 15 focused minutes each day to a project you’ve promised yourself—a book, business idea, organizing a room, learning a new skill, or simply journaling.
Small investments made consistently create remarkable results.
Example:
- I keep a running list of projects for my home, businesses, and work
- Each morning I check those lists and select at least one to work on
- At some point in the day, I take 15 min to do something to move that project forward.
- I don’t need more than 24 hours, I just need an intentional 24 hours
3. Schedule Your Movement
Don’t wait until you “feel like it.”
Put your walks, workouts, or stretching sessions on your calendar just like you would a meeting. When movement has a scheduled place in your day, you’re much more likely to follow through.
Every month I try to put together a training schedule. Am I an olympic athlete, no lol 😂
but I do enjoy spending a bit of time planning my health. This example is definately not typical, it’s what I use to train closer to a 4 mile race I walk in October.
Invest this time in yourself, try planning a day, a week, even a month!
4. Invest Time in the Way You Feed Yourself
Healthy eating doesn’t happen by accident.
Take time to plan meals, shop intentionally, prep ingredients, and learn new recipes. Nourishing yourself is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your future health and energy.
Example:
If you missed it, I detailed my monthly meal plan in a recent post! This ritual is a must for me.
5. Choose One Word for the Season
Pick one word that reflects who you’re becoming if even for a season!
Write it on your schedule, make it your phone wallpaper, place it on your bathroom mirror, or keep it on your desk.
Let it become a daily reminder of the promise you’ve made to yourself. Small visual cues help keep your purpose front and center.
Example:
My Radiant Summer! I talk all about the intentionality of this word and how it is elevating my season.
6. Create an Environment That Supports Your Goals
Discipline becomes easier when your environment works with you instead of against you.
- Organize your pantry so healthy foods are easy to reach.
- Create a reading corner that invites you to pick up a book.
- Set out your walking shoes the night before.
- Build spaces that make your desired habits the natural choice.
Example: My Glow Closet! ⛱️
Ok I know… I know that’s not food, but it is sure about discipline.
I made a decision to follow a promise I made to myself, than the short term choices in front of me. I chose a life designed by my intentions, not immediate easy ones.
I cleaned, purged, and honed all my products and wellness items.
Stocking up on the ones I love, and placing everything in one place I can use to pamper, press, and glow up myself anytime I want. 🧖🏾♀️
It took a couple days and several hours, but it feels so incredible to finally have something I spent time to curate for me!
What was once a boring drab linen closet now elevates my space to somewhere I want to be…
7. Celebrate Consistency, Not Perfection
Progress isn’t measured by perfect days—it’s measured by showing up again and again.
Miss a workout? Take one tomorrow. Skip a healthy meal? Make the next one nourishing. Discipline isn’t about never falling off track; it’s about returning to the commitments that matter most.
Example: A random 5K on a random day…
I didn’t feel like going…. I felt grossly unprepared, and my body wasn’t as trained as it could’ve been.
And yet… I decided to show up for myself.
What happened was another finished 5k, not perfect but finished!
A Final Thought
The life you want is built through the promises you keep to yourself. Every intentional choice—whether it’s a 15-minute work session, a nourishing meal, a walk around the neighborhood, or writing down your thoughts without distraction—is a vote for the person you’re becoming.
My Glow Closet!
So what happened to that closet….
Tah-Dah! Here she is, refreshed, curated and sparks joy every time I walk past!
Every single item, is carefully curated to support my wellness, my peace, and my self-definition.
Every time I walk into the bathroom, this Glow Closet is a gentle reminder what time and intention can bring.
What will you give up today?
In peace,
J
📣 Morning Announcements
At Whispers, our goal has always been to create meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and reflection—and we would love for you to be a part of what’s next
Love to read? Start by checking out 7 Whispers from My Heart to Yours, a collection of reflections, encouragement, and lessons designed to help you navigate life’s journey with intention and purpose. Whether you’re reading alone or with a friend, we hope the book inspires meaningful conversations and personal growth
Ready for a deeper experience? We have only a few spots remaining for the Lead with Conviction Women’s Conference. This intimate gathering has been intentionally designed to provide the respite, rejuvenation, and retreat so many women need during these demanding times. Through powerful speakers, meaningful connections, nourishing meals, and opportunities for reflection, we believe this experience will leave you renewed, encouraged, and equipped to lead with greater purpose and conviction.
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/leadwithconvictionwomensconference
